Have you ever thought about building a garden pond to enhance the overall look of your home? In that case, here are the steps needed to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Steps
Step 1. Choose an area
If you are using a filter or pump you will need to locate the pond not too far from a power source. Do not place it under a tree as it would take a lot more maintenance.
Step 2. Mark the outer edges
Rope, stretch rope or garden hose are the best ways to delimit the outline of the pond and streams. If you are using a hard liner you will need to match the shape to the liner, but the hole will need to be a little larger. If you're using a flexible liner, keep adjusting the size and shape until you like the look. Also make sure to leave enough space around the pond for landscaping. Once you have the final draft, use spray paint that will trace the outline.
Step 3. Dig
After contacting the authorities to verify that no underground pipes are compromised, it's time to dig. You can use a shovel or rent a mechanical digger. Your pond should have several levels, so you can use the land as terraces for plants. To build these terraces you will have to dig out the edges with a shovel to get them the way you want them. Think of a perimeter border 7-12 cm above the water level. Make sure the pond is at least 60cm deep.
Step 4. Create space for the purifier
If you intend to use one, dig a hole for it. Once you have determined the water level, you should define the height for the purifier. You should have one on the opposite side of the filter or stream drain to allow for good flow and keep the purifier running at its best. It is best to have a water level of 2.5 cm below the end of the purifier's throat.
Step 5. Dig for the filter (if you install one)
This article involves the use of an Aquafalls biological filter, created for use with a purifier. The front of the filter protrudes outwards by 2.5 cm and must remain level.
Step 6. Install the substrate and liner
Check the area you just dug to make sure there are no sharp objects that could puncture the lining. Installing the substrate is very simple, just unroll it and place it in the hole. If it has more than one section, overlap them by a few inches. Do your best to conform the substrate to the shape of the pond and terraces. Don't cut what is left over until you've filled the pelvis. Install the trim in the same way. (If it is stiff, place it in the excavated area as it is). Be sure to keep some liner on the pond banks and near the filter.
Step 7. Add the stones
The rocks provide the surface for useful bacteria, protect the coating and give a natural appearance. Start arranging the stones with vertical walls. For vertical sections you will need larger rocks - 15-30cm in diameter. You can also choose a few but large stones as a focal point. Once your vertical sections are done, you can fill the horizontal ones with 5cm river stones. Once this is finished, you can fill the basin.
Step 8. Install the Purifier Check that the hole you cut is suitable for the purifier
Check that the bottom is flat. Also check the height of the water at the throat of the purifier, remember that it must be 2.5 cm below the end. Make sure it is level from side to side. Each purifier is slightly different so you will need to follow the installation instructions carefully. Add filler around the purifier only for 15 cm, no more, until you have made the PVC connections, and in any case you must not add it while there is water, otherwise it will fold in on itself; moreover, the sieve and lid would no longer fit. Someone should be helped to connect the purifier to the coating. Place a large drop of silicone over the front panel opening and around the holes. One has to hold the liner firm against the silicone and purifier, while the other person will drill a hole in the liner with something sharp like an ice pick to insert the bolts and tighten them. Once you've secured everything, you can cut out the lining using sharp scissors or a razor. Screw the control valve from the kit onto the pump. You can then place the pump in the purifier and make the flexible connections using PVC and relative connectors.
Step 9. Install the filter
This filter is installed in a similar way to the purifier. It should protrude about 2.5 cm and be perfectly aligned. Get someone to help you attach the liner to the filter with silicone. Apply a large bead of silicone to the front panel opening and around the holes. One has to hold the liner firm against the silicone and purifier while the other person will drill a hole in the liner with something sharp like an ice pick to insert a bolt and tighten it. Once you've secured everything, you can cut out the lining using sharp scissors or a razor. Now you can make the connections using PVC and its connectors. Insert the filter pads and filter bags then place the cover rock. You can then arrange rocks and plants on the filter cover to hide it. Better to "isolate" the filtering waterfall by arranging two large rocks on each side and those for the waterfall in the center at medium height. These rocks will need to be coated with a special waterfall treatment so that the water does not slip underneath but flow over.
Step 10. Final touches
The pond is complete and should be nearly full of water. Now you can install all the accessories and start creating the landscape that will surround it. Cut off excess coating and substrate. Leave a few extra inches of coating when you cut and then hide it under the stones. When the water reaches the desired level, connect the pump and let it work. Rocks and debris will cloud the water. In a couple of days, however, it will become clear again. Follow the instructions to balance the pH and add the bacteria. Wait a few days before adding fish and plants.
Advice
- As an alternative to the substrate, you can put a couple of centimeters of damp sand.
- Most excavated debris can be useful for flattening the edge, creating a drop in the stream, parts of the landscape, and for hiding the PVC pipes. The excavation project will be fine and you will be accurate if you rent or borrow a laser level to make sure the outer perimeter of the pond is level.
- Consider drainage. Try to elevate the soil around the pond so that the water does not flow into it. When it drains, make sure it doesn't come towards the house.
- To make sure you have enough substrate and coating, measure the width, length and maximum depth of the pond. Multiply the maximum depth by 3. Then add this figure to the other two.
Warnings
- Do not create the pond when the ground is frozen or very wet.
- If you use a flexible liner, get one that is specifically designed for ponds or pools, otherwise it may tear from exposure to ultraviolet rays and be toxic to fish.
